Two Quality Replacements For David Luiz Who Chelsea Can Target
Chelsea defender David Luiz appears to be a forgotten star at the Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian has been out of action for over two months as he’s struggling to recover from both knee and ankle problems.
The defender was a key figure as Chelsea lifted the Premier League title last season in Antonio Conte’s debut season in England. However, after a dispute with Conte earlier this season, Luiz has found game time hard to come by while injuries have not helped his cause either.
While there remains no return date for Luiz from an ankle injury, should Luiz decide to leave, here are two centre-backs Chelsea should target in the summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
Koulibaly has been stellar at Napoli, where his solid displays at the back have helped his club challenge Juventus for the Serie A title this season.
He has been magnificent throughout the season as Napoli, following their 1-0 win at Juventus, courtesy Koulibaly’s late winner, trail the Turin giants by only a point with four games left to play.
Under Maurizio Sarri, Koulibaly has developed massively, showing off an unflustered nature in possession, keen distribution and aerial dominance. Along with consistency, the Senegalese is blessed with good pace and has been a commanding presence, demonstrating ample discipline and urgency.
Koulibaly certainly has the pedigree and talent to replicate Luiz’s success at Stamford Bridge.
Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jonathan Tah has become an integral part of the Bayer Leverkusen defence and could soon establish himself as a regular with the German national team.
With the ability that Tah has consistently displayed at Leverkusen, he can shut out attacks. The German possesses a burly figure and certainly knows how to make the best use of it. Not only does he wield his strength and size to his advantage but is also adept at playing from the back.
Ball playing centre-backs are a rare commodity in the modern era of football and there aren’t many who could be termed as world-class. Tah doesn’t fall into the world-class bracket yet but has all the potential to become one in the future.
Tah is a controller of the ball and has the skill set to maraud forward and contribute to attacks. When it comes to one on one defending, the German is blessed with such agility and pace that he often easily brushes away the player off the ball.
In all fairness, the Leverkusen man has all the ingredients to become a top-centre half and Chelsea must splash the cash in the summer to get him.